THE ELECTIONS. FOR THE CJTY COUNCIL.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 94, 22 April 1911, Page 9

THE ELECTIONS. FOR THE CJTY COUNCIL.

WHO'S WHO. SOME BRIEF NOTES CONCERNING THE CANDIDATES Altogether 36 candidates have been nominated for seats on the City Council, and fifteen are required to be elected. The election takes place on Monday, and the acquaintance of the candidates and the electors will be improved by a perusal of the following brief biographical notes, which are presented in alphabetical order : — Arthur Richmond Atkinson is a member of the firm of Atkinson and Bennett, • solicitors. He is an ex-member of Parliament, and has occupied a seat on the City Council since \909. [William Henry Peter Barber was in business for many years as proprietor of Barbel's' Dye Works, Cuba-street. He is an ex-member of Parliament, and from 1891 to 1905 occupied a seat on the City Council. In the latter year he unsuccessfully contested the Mayoralty of Wellington. Mr. Barber is chairman of directors of the Wellington Woollen Company, a director of the Wellington Opera House Company and a member of other joint , stock companys. (Walter Scott Bedford, master tailor, took an active part in municipal affairs in Dunedin, and largely assisted to bring about the Greater Dunedin scheme. Mr. Bedford is father of Mr. H. D. Bedford, who represented Dunedin City for three years in Parliament, j The candidate was a member of the Caversham Borough Council and also occupied a seat on the Dunedin City Council for some time. William Henry Bennett is the son of a very old resident of Wellington. Mr. , Bennett is a builder by trade, and has occupied the position of president of both the Wellington, and New Zealand Master Builder Associations. Henry Bodley is a compositor by trade but for some years now has carried on a milk supply business in the city. Robert A. Cameron, M.D., a native of Wairarapa, received his early education at Wellington College, graduated at Home and is now in practice at Newtown. <E. J. Carey is a native of Gympie, Queensland. He has been a resident of Wellington, for about ten years, and last year occupied the position of piesident of the Wellington Trades and Labour Council. Mr. Carey, who is secretary of the Cooks and Waiters' Union and the Grocer's Union, is contesting the election as one of the Labour eight. John Castle, chemist, has occupied the position of president of the- Central Pharmaceutical Association, is a director of the Newtown Bowling Club, hon. treasure! of the Wellington Zoological Society, and a member of the Newtown School Committee. •Falk Cohen, draper, has been, a member of the City Council for the past seven years. He has resided in Wellington for 47 years, and has been in business on his own account for 27 years. Mr. Cohen occupied a seat on the Hospital Board for five years, has been a member of the Wellington. Fire Police since that body first came into existence, joined the old volunteer fire brigade in 1865, and remained a meinher until the brigade came under the control of the corporation, and has occupied & seat on 1 all the more important committees of the City Council. tJbhn E. Fitzgerald, principal of the firm of Fitzgerald and Mattison, was first elected to the council ia 1909. He is also a member of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. Mr. Fitzgerald is also standing for election to the Harbour Board. Robert Fletcher, head of the firm of R. Fletcher and Co., Customs agents and carriers, has been a member of the City Council since 1907. From being an employee of the Wellington Harbour Board he worked himself up until to-day he is chairman of that body. Mr. Fletcher is also standing for re-election to the Harbour Board. George Frost, a retired builder, was Mayor of Melrose at the time of the amalgamation with the city was effected. He first entered the City Council in 1905, sat till 1907, then retired, but was again elected in -1909. He has occupied a seat on the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board and many other public bodies. John Fuller, junr., is a member of the well-known firm of John Fuller and Sons. Mr. Fuller is co-manager with his brother Ben of the firm's Wellington business. He was educated at Auckland, and for eighteen years has resided in New Zealand. Arthur Harry Fullford, of Fullford and Smith, master plasterers, has been a resident of Wellington for over thirty years. He was a member of the old Melrose Borough Council, and occupied a seat on the City Council in 1903 after the amalgamation, of the borough with the city. Gallichan landed in Dunedin thirty-five years ago from London. He served vis time in Dunedin as a carpenter and joiner, but has not followed his trade here. He has resided in Wellington for eleven yeaTS, and latterly has been secretary of the Liberal Party's organisation. James Godber has been in business in Wellington for many years as a confectioner and caterer. He occupied a Eeat on the council from 1901 to 1909, and has served on many local public bodies here. Ivor Hazell, organising secretary of the Carpenters and Joiners' Federation, has been a prominent figure in Labour circles for some years in Wellington. 'Alfred H. Hindmarsh, solicitor, haa occupied a seat on the council since 1905. His sympathy with Labour has secured him a place on the Labour Party's ticket. Mr. Hindmarsb is a member of the executive of the Municipal Association of New Zealand and a member of the Hospital and Charitable Board. !Andrew R. Hornb'ow, master printer," first entered the printing trade in the Wairarapa. He js now '.n busincßß in Newtown. Arthur Leigh Hunt, manager of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Distributing Company, is making his initial bow to the electors. He is j chairman of the Hataitai Municipal I Electors' Association, and last year took a prominent part in the agitation for the amendment of the Public Works Act giving private parties the i ./ight to proceed at law againet the Crown for damages. J 'John Edward Jenkinson. formerly in business in Wellington as a cycle merchant, is a member of the Legislative Council. Some years ago he was a prominent figure in Labour circles. ', iVllhelm Jensen is a large propertyowner in the City of Wellington. For many years he was in business at Upper Hutt as a storekeeper. William Jordan is a painter by trade, and a delegate to the Traes and Labour Council. He is secretary of the Central Mission Brotherhood, and is one of the "Labour Eight." Joseph Mandel has been a resident ot Wellington eince 1875. For many years he carried on business in \Vel- ,

lington as a wholesale and retail tobacconist. He built and carried on the- Empire Hotel for a considerable period, and is now head of the firm of iMaudel, Harris, and Co. Charles M'lntyre, an engineer by trad© but now connected with the firm of E. Morris, Jun. He is president of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers. For many years he has taken a keen interest in athletics. Leonard M'Kenzie, chemist, sod of one of the founders of Wellington, is president of the New Zealand Chemista' Association, secretary and treasurer of the Wellington Pharmaceutical Ascnciation, a member of the New ZeaJand Pharmacy Board, and a member of the Te Aro School Committee. David L'Laren entered the council firßb -in 1901. He is chairman of the Libraries Committee, advisory secretary of the Wharf Labourers' Union, organiser of -the Waterside Workers' Federation, a member of several local bodies, and representative of Wellington East in Parliament. Stanislaus J. Moran, a member of the firm of Casey and Moran, solicitors, has been a resident of Wellington for 13 years. He is a son of the late Mr. James Moran, surveyor, Auckland. At the city by-election in September last, Mr. Moran just missed a place, being third in a list of thirteen candidates. Michael John Pieardon, editor of the Labour paper, the Weekly Herald, is also secretary of the General Labourers' "Onion and the Slaughtermen's Union, and a delegate and trustee of the Trades Council. George Frederick Reyling, who, like Mr. Reardon, is also a member of the Labour Eight, is a native of Sydney, but has resided in Wellington for the last twenty year?. He is secretary of the Trades Council and secretary of the Wellington Painters' Union. George ShirtcliSe, of the firm of A. S. Paterson and Co., is almost too well known to require any introduction to Wellington. He has been a member of the council since 1907, and a valued member of the Tramways and Finance Committees. John Smith might aptly be termed the Father of the City Council. His record of service on the council, out-side of his connection with such bodies as the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board and various philanthropic organisations, dates back to 1885. Thomas Smith is secretary of the Wellington Wharf Labourers' Union. He is a native of Grimsby, where he received his early training in a solicitor's office.- Mr. Smith has been'resident in Wellington for twelve years. William John Thompson is a native of Victoria and head of the firm of Tlfompson Bros. He is a member of the present council, having been returned at a by-election held last year. Chas. Thorpe, a wharf labourer, is contesting the election as an Independent Labour candidate. James Trevor, builder, sat on the council from 1905 co 1907, and again from 1909 to the present time. He has been in business in Wellington for very many years, and has always taken a keen interest in public affairs, the administration of Hospital and Charitable Aid affairs occupying a Considerable portion of his time. HON. J. E. JENKINSON. TOWN-PLANNING, TRAMWAYS, AND LIGHTING. The_ Hon. J. E. Jenkinson gave his municipal views to a meeting of electors in the Tiffin Tea Rooms last evening. The chairman (the Hon. J. Rigg), in introducing the candidate, said he had known Mr. Jenkinson for twenty years, and could vouch for his character, ability, and probity to represent the citizens. The candidate, discussing townplanning, referred to the mistake of a Government officer in the' early days 'in interfering with the street plans of the New Zealand Company. The defectivevision of subsequent public men and a lack of co-ordination between the Government and local authorities had prevented the growth of Greater Wellington on the most economical lines. He believed that plain necessity and com-mon-sense demanded a conference of representatives of the Government, the City Council, the Harbour Board, and adjacent local bodies, and the appointment of experts to do the " stocktaking " and submit a report. There was, unfortunately, a fixed idea in many minds that th© word "townplanning" meant "town-upsetting." These people did not appear able to perceive that if Wellington could not afford to-day to make crooked paths straight, still less could the city afford to repeat those mistakes. It seemed to him that Tational, necessary townplanning, which was much cheaper and much more comfortable than townspoiling, was being hindered by persons whose arguments amount to this: "The old mistakes are good enough for us." It seemed, to be regarded as a point of honour to stick to the old mistakes and muddle into new mistakes to keep the old ones in countenance. He agreed with the City Engineer that it would be necessary to determine the arterial •routes to important suburbs which were now .difficult of access by road. This question of main road lines and theproper planning of the Town Belt had a very important bearing on the making of additional playing spacer and" the construction of any tramway extensions required in the future. The huddlement that had been allowed to take place in suburban districts would be checked under a sensible system of local government. The sites of important public buildings, such as the new railway station, should fit in with a town plan. In the department of tramways Mr. Jenkinson declared tnat the Wellington management had been unfairly criticised. His analysis of the figures for the past year satisfied him that there was a profit of about £3000, after the enterprise had been debited with all expenditure that could be reasonably charged to this account. The sinking fund of 1 per cent, ou all loans, with a depreciation rate of about 2£ per cent., meant that in less than twenty years the entire renewal of the system could be faced. An analysis of the balance-sheets of Wellington and Christchurch convinced him that the Wellington system compared more than favourably, under all heads, with the Christchurch system, and he gave 'figures in support of this belief. He believed, however, that it was possible to arrange the running of the cars and the hours of the car men so that a saving could be made. It should be possible to considerably increase the useful mileage without adding to the present traffic expenses, and so indirectly effect a saving. He thought it would be worth while considering the question of placing under separate management — (1) the tramway running department, (2) the electric lighting department, (3) the generation of the power needed in these two departments. Turning to electric light, the speaker remarked that it was to be regretted that the efforts to secure cheaper installation in citizens' bonses had reached no useful end. However, the enthusiasm instilled into this department by Dr. Newman while he was Mayor, and kept alive since that date by his successor, had enabled the revenue to remain buoyant, notwithstanding the economies effected in lighting by the later lamps. Yet he must point out that the cost of generation of electric current for this department suffered when compared with that for the tramways. The recent improvements in the steam plant still left the full cost too high for the light-

ing branch, and efforts must be made to bring the two generating stations into closer co-ordination. He was in favour of reducing the rates for power or lighting in cases where the consumption could be restricted to the hours when the general demand was less, as a more equal output was the great need of this enterprise. He believed that the development of electrical heating would help in this direction, and a strong forward policy must be maintained. A sound system of time payment for cost of installation and outfit might be developed to assist this department. A vote of thanks was gassed to the candidate. MR. MANDEL'S ADDRESS. - Mr. Joseph Mandel, who announced himself as an independent candidate for the City Council, and a citizen of thirtyfive years' standing, addressed a meeting of electors at the Chamber of Commerce last evening, Mr. Henry Kember presiding. If returned, he said he would not work for any particular party, or section of the community, but would do his best to serve the citizens at krge. As an employer of labour himself he believed in a fair wage, and those who had been in his employ would bear him out when he said he had always paid sufficient to enable them to live comfortably. He thought the recent difference between the City Council and its labourers should have been settled amicably as between both parties, without reference to the Arbitration Court. The Corporation should arrive at some conclusion as to what a living wage was, and_ see that that was the minimum paid to its employees. Mr. Mandel criticised the traitfway service from the point of view of the inadequacy of the rolling stock to do the business. lie strongly condemned overcrowding the cars, especially the crowding together on wet days of people with wet clothes. This must be injurious to health, and should be seen to at once. If returned he would do all in bis power to rectify overcrowding of cars, and general improvement of -the service. As a long resident, and one who had made a success of numerous business undertakings, Mr. Mandel said he could b© of some service to the city. Moreover, he also had the necessary time to devote to its affairs. Mr. Mandel was accorded a vole of thanks and confidence, and a committee was formed to further his interests. / NOTES AND JOTTINGS. Progression with, opposition to extravagance was a strong point made by Mr. A. Leigh Hunt in his address to the electors at St. Thomaa's Schoolroom last evening. He said he stood for economic and safe management of the city's affairs. The question of the management of tramway traffic required urgent attention. The system, how*ver, should be used more to encourage people to live in the suburbs than to produce profits. The candidate supported Councillor Fletcher in his opposition- to advertising on the care. The extension of the Constablestreet tram should be proceeded with. There should be a small charge for admission to the Zoo to provide a portion of its upkeep. On the motion of Mr. A. H. Green, wood, seconded by Mr. R. Bigg, the apeaker *ras accorded a vote of thanks and confidence. Dr. Cameron makes reduction of the cost of living one ot the main planks of his platform, which appears in full in our advertising columns. He urges cooperation with, the Government to prevent trusts, municipal markets to bring i producer and conetuner into closer touch., businesslike management of municipal concerns, encouragement of local industries, etc. He is a supporter of the day labour principle, where possible, in place oi contracts ; town-planning is also commended by the candidate. Dr. Cameron is not in favour of the proposal that the city should acquire the Wellington gasworks. Lighting, he cays, vrili be cheaper by keeping, electricity and I gas in competition. Dr. Cameron addressed a meeting at the Alexandra Hall, Abel Smith-street, last evemng, and was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence. Mr. W. S. Bedford addressed an openair meeting in the Post Ofnce-equare yesterday, and last evening spoke at Wadestown. His addresses were on the linee of previous speeches, and on both occasions ho was heartily thanked. In a note to the electors, Mr. Shirtcliffe urges a conricuance of the progressive and prudent policy of the last few years. His aim is ".to promote the beet interests of the citizens as a whole." "No 'catch vote' promise," said Mr. Fuller last evening. The candidate spoke at both Lyall "Bay and Kilbirnie. He said he was not seeking election for his own personal elevation. His desire was to work in the city's interests. In each instance committees were formed to work in Mr. Fuller's interests. " Progress and careful administration " is the keynote of Mr. A. R. Hornblow's platform. In an address last evening he advocated more attention for the suburbs and a thorough overhaul of the tramways system. The candidate is also a thorough believer in beautifying the city by tree planting. Mr. Sydney H. Underwood, who is standing for election to the Miramar Council, has a notice to the electors in this issue. "An independent and a very large ratepayer." — Mr. V. Jensen to the electors of the city. The Citizens' League has selected Mr. E. Gallichan to fill the vacancy on the ticket caused by the retirement of Mr. H. Price. "Fifty years' practical knowledge of building and several years' service on the council," is Mr. Trevor's 'recommendation to the electors. Mr. J. Godber, who is again seeking election to tiw council, has a notification to the electors in this issue. "I would like to see all classes in the community receiving some sort of technical instruction," said Mr. S. J. Moran, speaking at the Druids' Hall last evening to about fifty electors. Mr. Moran advocated also the wiping out of the incipient slums of the city. Some of the most disgraceful buildings in the city (he asserted) were the property of the corporation, and these should be "first dealt with. The candidate expressed himself as in favour of Saturday closing. He received a vote of confidence. " Sound management by business men " is the heading of a manifesto published in this issue in support of Mr. David Robertson and his ticket for the Eastbourne Council. "No- wild borrowing schemes are wanted," they declare; "no £17,500 water and drainage schemes." Regarding a statement made at a meeting at Rona Bay, a correspondent, with the object of removing a misapprehension, writes that it is not geneTally known what Dr. Mackenzie's benefactions to Eastbourne are. He it was, saya the correspondent, who gave a section to the Church of England, to Roman Catholics, and to Presbyterians. He also presented a section for the present wharf site. Mr. W. H. Bennett asks the electors for a vote, on the ground that ho is a practical man who will apply practical principles to the administration of the j city's affairs. Mr. John Smith, in a notification to the electors, points, to his long record in civic affairs, and piomises undivided attention to the city's interests in the future.